OLONGAPO CITY – Philippine Merchant Marine School assumed the role of the hottest team in the 16th National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) after scuttling Rizal Technological University, 77-65, at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Gym Saturday (September 17). The Mariners are now on a four-game roll after winning only once in their first five assignments.

PMMS went full steam ahead in the third period wherein they unloaded 29 points after only coughing out 22 in the first half. RTU’s seven-point halftime lead was easily erased as Domark Matillano and Daryl Margaja combined for 23 of their 29 total markers, including a critical 8-0 run that pushed them ahead, 35-34.

The Mariners continued to build on the momentum of the good third period with Matillano continuing to wax hot. Suddenly, PMMS had already erected a 20-point lead, 75-55, and then allowing the Blue Thunder to close out the contest with a 10-2 run.

Matillano, already the winner of two Best Player citations, paced the Mariners anew with 25 points and five rebounds on four of 11 three-point shooting. Margaja took home the Best Player this time with 19 points plus recognition of his defensive job on RTU main man Cyrus Tabi.

Hounded all game by the defense, Tabi could only muster eight points in 34 minutes of play. Kerr Bangeles tried to pick up the slack with 25 points and seven rebounds followed by Storm Riva with 17 points and four assists.

The game marked a milestone in the NAASCU’s 16-year history as the first ever game aired live over national television through the facilities of Solar Sports. The next game between home team Lyceum of Subic Bay and visiting De Ocampo Memorial College will also enjoy live coverage.